Eduardo Galeano’s “Upside Down
Primer for a Looking-Glass World” is a rant, tirade, and tantrum made up almost entirely of accusations, which can come across overbearing, but do we perhaps need “overbearing” right about now in this age of gross social injustice? This “upside down world” is one in which crime and sin are rewarded and virtue and humility are exploited and victimized. A “looking-glass” reverses an image rather than turning it upside-down—which is the more accurate metaphor for injustice? In what ways does Galeano exploit this image?
Olive Senior’s “Gardening in the Tropics” uses the garden as a metaphor for searching in the past and discussing how all dead things ultimately decay and transform into food for something else. How does Senior use this motif to discuss cultural politics in the Caribbean? “Gardening” takes place somewhere in between “civilization” and “wilderness”—why does this poet seem so interested in this particular site?
Sample Solution
In his essay “Primer for a Looking-Glass World”, Eduardo Galeano paints a vivid picture of our fractured and unjust world. He argues that the “upside down world” we live in is one where crime and sin are rewarded and virtue and humility are exploited and victimized. Through powerful imagery, he further illustrates this concept by exploring the metaphor of a looking glass which reverses an image rather than turning it upside down – a much more accurate representation of societal injustice (Galeano 2016).
To get his point across, Galeano makes use of various literary devices such as hyperbole to stress the magnitude of social injustice he sees in modern day society. For example, when referring to individuals who take advantage of their positions or are able to commit crimes unpunished due to their wealth or political influence he states: “Their jobs grow bigger and bigger thanks to their swindling; their salaries swell; they walk free; justice does not exist anymore” (Galeano 2016)
He also employs rhetorical questions throughout his work in order to emphasize certain points made about inequality such as: “Why? Because power has its privileges? And why do only some have these privileges? Why don’t we all have them?” (Galeano 2016) This serves as an effective tool for engaging readers while simultaneously prompting them towards self-reflection.
By utilizing strong language combined with striking metaphors Galeano effectively conveys outrage at the gross inequalities present within society whilst challenging readers to consider how they can contribute towards promoting social justice. His uncompromising stance on this matter undoubtedly makes him come across overbearing though given current injustices it may be precisely what is needed right now in order create awareness among those yet unaware or apathetic regarding these issues.
